1. Someone brings up your party…and not everyone there is invited
Change the subject immediately by asking a question. Try something like, "Before I forget, I'm thinking of taking a beach vacation soon, but I'm not sure where to go. Any suggestions?"
2. You ate less than everyone; they want to split the check
If you know going into it that you're just going to get an app, discretely pull the waiter aside ahead of time and ask for a separate check when everyone is done. If you feel weird doing that, just split the tab—it will all equal out next time when you order more and they don't.
3. A neighbor you don't know very well asks for a big favor
If it's something like your Internet password, say you forgot it and change the subject. If it's something like watching her dog for a week when she's on vacation, tell her you think you'll be out of town that week, too—if she's gone, she won't know. And if she ends up staying home, you can just say your plans changed.
4. Someone asks about your perfume; It's your deodorant
If you don't want to own up to it, just say something like, "Thanks! I don't remember what I put on this morning, but I like the scent, too."
5. A friend is still at your party—and everyone left ages ago
Make it clear that you're ready to crash. Try, "I'm beat and I have an early day tomorrow. Thanks for coming—I'm so glad you could make it! Do you need me to call you a cab?" She should get the hint.
6. You have dietary restrictions and there's not much you can eat at a dinner party
If you know the person holding the party well enough, text them the day before to remind them of your allergy or food aversion, and ask if it would be easier if you brought something. If you don't know them well, do the best you can to eat around it—it's the sign of a great guest.
7. Your man says something weird in front of your boss
Change the subject and point out something your guy and your boss have in common, like they're both from Los Angeles, or both are training for a half-marathon.
8. A friend wants to set you up; you know it will be a disaster
Tell her thanks, but that you're taking a break from dating right now. If you happen to meet a great guy the next day and she calls you out, just say you didn't expect to meet someone at that point—it just happened.
9. You're stuck walking with a random work colleague
Since you probably don't know her that well, ask her how she likes working for your company and where she worked beforehand. If you really want to get away, make up a detour, like you have to run into the nearest drugstore.
Amanda and her boyfriend were out to eat the other night andwhen the bill came she went to the bathroom. When she came out her boyfriend said the bill was taken care of so they left. She felt like everyone was staring at them when they were leaving so...
